British tourist dies after falling from waterfall in Australia

A British tourist has died in Australia after he fell from a 187m waterfall, local police and UK authorities have confirmed.

The unnamed 20-year-old was walking with friends in the Blue Mountains national park near Sydney when he slipped and fell over the edge of Wentworth Falls.

New South Wales police said he was pronounced dead at the scene after yesterday’s incident, which took place at 12noon local time (1am UK time).

His body was only recovered today however after high winds initially prevented a helicopter crew from doing so.

‘The location is extremely rugged and difficult to access, despite the rescue crew being very experienced,’ police said.

The man is understood to have been in Australia with a group of friends who travelled from Sydney’s Bondi area to the Blue Mountains for a picnic and walk along a marked trail.

They are not thought to have been part of an organised tour group.

His family and the British consulate in Australia have been notified of the death.

‘We are aware of the death of a British national in New South Wales, Australia, on January 6, 2013, and we are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time,’ said the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.